Celebrating International Women's Day also means remembering history. How did we get here? What has been achieved? Who were the main players? How long have we been wrestling with equality issues?

 

At a time of questioning, past memories and future challenges, here is a brief summary of the European History of Women's Rights. We recall what has been done, rolling the dice for what still remains to be done.

Did you know, for example, that Finland was the first country in Europe to allow votes for women, as well as their running for election? That it then became the first country in the world to elect women to Parliament? This happened between 1906 and 1907, and four years after the first International Women's Day was celebrated (1911). 

 

“We must break down the barriers that prevent women from freely choosing the path they want to follow”

Portuguese Minister Mariana Vieira da Silva recorded a message where she highlights the importance of the role of the women who are on the frontline in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Women who are faced with added difficulties at work, in income and in reconciling personal and professional life, in a year that was particularly difficult for all.